Hardware

Question

NTFS to FAT32 or FAT

my data should save in same drive. I want to convert NTFS to FAT32 of that drive without loss data. Actually I installed two Os in my Hddone is Windows98se and second is Windows XpWindows Xp is in NTFS partition. So I can't read the file when I am in Windows98se. So I want a utilities which convert NTFS to FAT32. Have anybody solution Please give as soon as possible. ok Thanks

All Answers

I wouldn't advise you do this but try an alternative way ...

By trying to change an NTFS partition to FAT32, ALL the content of the partition will suddenly occupy more space when changed to FAT32. Also FAT32 is limited to 36GB, so if your partition is bigger than that it will not work.

IMHO you would be better to select whatever you need from the NTFS partition using XP, and then have XP copy this data to the FAT32 partition for you to access from Win98.

XP is capable of transferring data between NTFS and FAT32 in either direction. :)

Re: Converting NTFS to FAT32

This is an oft-asked question, and unfortunately, there is no clean or easy way of doing this. Some might ask why, and the answer to that is rather simple: FAT32 is an older file system, and Microsoft wants to move people away from it. NTFS is superior to FAT32 in almost every way, and there is no compelling reason for users to use it anymore. Converting NTFS back to FAT32 should be considered a last resort in all cases.

Essentially, your options boil down to doing one of two things: reformatting the drive or partition (which results in the data being destroyed) or shelling out for a third-party program. Unfortunately, Windows does not have a built-in tool to convert backwards, like one can to convert from FAT/FAT32 to NTFS. Enter Partition Magic. Partition Magic allows you to convert an NTFS partition back to FAT32, but there is a reason that Partition Magic is not so lovingly referred to as "Partition Tragic". Often conversions simply fail, or worse, destroy data.

This guide is to walk you through the former method of conversion: deleting a partition, and recreating it anew as FAT32. However, no matter which route you choose, backing up your data should be your first priority.

First off, delete the partition that you wish to convert. This is done by going into Disk Management: right click "My Computer" -> Manage -> Disk Management, which is found under the Storage section. Right click the partition you wish to remove, and click "Delete Volume". This will erase the partition. Once you have done this, you must re-create the partition. This is done by right clicking on an unallocated region of a disk, and selecting "Create Partition". Then click "Create Logical Drive". Bear in mind that Windows cannot format a FAT32 partition that is any larger than 32GB. This is the case because FAT32 is terribly inefficient on volumes that are larger than 32GB: fragmentation becomes a serious problem.

To format this new volume, right click it, and choose Format. Again, if the volume you wish to format is larger than 32GB, FAT32 will not be one of the options available to you in the drop-down box. You will have to create multiple partitions if you want to format a large drive as FAT32.

No point to converting

As others have said in previous posts, there are few gains and many losses in converting from NFTS to FAT32.

There is an alternative to conversion. NTFSDOS is freeware that will allow read-only access to an NTFS partition from DOS/Windows programs. There is also an NTFSDOS Pro version that allows read/write access, but it was expensive and I don't know if it's still available. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NTFSDOS

cut a bridging partition

If you've free spaced in one or between both your fat32 and ntfs partitions; cut a bridging partition. I used to have data moving between Windows (ntfs) and Linux based OS (ext3) so I'd create a central fat32 partition that both bootable OS could read/write with. Anything both systems needs access too get's stored there.

Various partition management tools should allow you to create a partition out of empty space from another without destroying the data. Check your prefered tool first to comfirm though.

As I read your post...

You seem to be saying:I have Win 98 and Win XP, I can not read the XP partition from 98 and want to.

If this is the case, you do not need to convert anything from NTFS to FAT32 or FAT. NTFS is an installable file system - meaning you can install it on another OS and read the files. You can not, however just install the filesystem. With DOS based OS's there is a Utility (?) that will allow you to read NTFS on a DOS/Win95/98/FreeDos system. I think it is called (do not quote me) NTFS2DOS or DOS2NTFS which would solve this problem. You will need to google "read NTFS in Win98" or "Read NTFS in DOS". The better of these utilities also allow you to write to an NTFS file system. Most of the utilities would load in the config.sys.

Create a new discussion

If you're asking for technical help, please be sure to include all your system info, including operating system, model number, and any other specifics related to the problem. Also please exercise your best judgment when posting in the forums--revealing personal information such as your e-mail address, telephone number, and address is not recommended.

Post type

Subject title

Topic Tags

Select up to 3 tags (1 tag required)

Cloud

Piracy

Security

Apple

Microsoft

IT Employment

Google

Open Source

Mobility

Social Enterprise

Community

Smartphones

Operating Systems

Windows

Mac

Malware

Tablets

Networking

Browser

Hardware

Software

Web Developerment

Linux

Off Topic

Message Body

Track this discussion and email me when there are updates

Please note: Do not post advertisements, offensive material, profanity, or personal attacks. Please remember to be considerate of other members. If you're new to the TechRepublic Forums, please read our TechRepublic Forums FAQ. All submitted content is subject to our Terms Of Use.